What is an ADHD Assessment?
Your doctor will discuss with you about whether your child or you exhibits signs of ADHD. They may ask questions about your family and health background. The person will also inquire about your child's school experience. They will also talk to your child's teachers, coaches, scout and religious leaders, as well as others who know them well.
Signs and symptoms
If you or someone you know suspects they might have ADHD, the first step in getting an evaluation is to find an expert in the field who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD. Find a doctor who is specialized in children's mental health or ask your family physician for an appointment. The person who examines you will start by asking about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They may also ask questions about your health, work, school and social life. The examiner might ask you to see old report cards and performance evaluations at work or school, and other documents.
A complete assessment of ADHD will also include interviews with family members of the person as well as teachers, and other adults who interact with them. The examiner will utilize different questions and rating scales to evaluate the person for ADHD as well as standardized testing used in school evaluations. You will be asked to provide examples of your behavior in different situations. They will evaluate your behavior in relation to the DSM V criteria for ADHD hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
The evaluator will determine whether the ADHD affects the person's daily functioning. They will consider whether their symptoms are significantly more severe than what is expected for their age or developmental stage. They will also compare the person's issues to those of other people in similar situations, for example their peers in school or on a team.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the person must have a significant number of symptoms from both the inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity sections of the criteria. In addition, the symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two important settings in their life. This usually means that children struggle with their schoolwork and their relationships with their parents or siblings. For adults, it could mean losing a job because of inattention issues and having trouble keeping the track of bills or paperwork.
The evaluator may also talk to people who know the person well like relatives, friends as well as Scout leaders or religious groups. They will be interested in knowing how the person behaves in various situations, such as at home and in other settings beyond school or work.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have a minimum of 6 traits (symptoms) that first appeared before the age of 12. These symptoms must also be present for at least six consecutive months. The symptoms must also affect your ability to function at school, at home, or at work. The symptoms aren't caused by another mental health issue. Your GP can refer to a specialist for an assessment. Print out adhd assessments uk from the NICE 87 guidelines or download the letter of support from ADHD UK that you can give to your GP.
Your specialist will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also inquire about your family history and social background as well as your education and work history. They might ask for your school records from your past, and they might want to interview teachers or other people who have known you since you were a kid. The evaluator might try to rule out any other explanations for your symptoms and recommend that you undergo neuropsychological testing or diagnostic tests.
A thorough examination can take several hours. Some adults require more than one appointment with their physician to complete the evaluation. The evaluator will discuss the results with you, and could suggest treatments that could help.
You might have either the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD. The ADHD that is inattentive is characterized by difficulty paying attention and remaining focused, as well as forgetfulness or a lack of organizational skills. People with the hyperactive/impulsive type are restless and fidgety, often interrupt conversations or activities, have a hard time waiting for their turn, and may use other people's things without permission.
Some adults with ADHD are unable to understand how their symptoms affect their lives and relationships. This can result in strained or dissolved marriages as well as financial issues and problems with parenting. During the evaluation, a clinician may speak with the ADHD person as well as their partner or spouse to determine how their issues affect the relationship. You might be asked to fill out checklists of your symptoms.
Treatment
A psychiatric examination for ADHD typically involves an interview with both the individual being evaluated as well as their caregivers, the completion of questionnaires and rating scales comparing behaviors of people with ADHD against the behaviors of people who are not affected, as well as tests that are standardized. For children, the evaluator might also examine their report cards and request that teachers complete questionnaires.
People who suffer from ADHD should be prepared to talk about how their symptoms affect their work at home, social, and personal life. Expect to be asked questions about how often you interrupt others, or if you misplace things easily, and when you don't finish tasks. The examiner would like to know if the symptoms were always present or if they started in the early years of childhood (technically, before the age of 12).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person has to have significant problems in at least two of the following areas: work and school, family life or social relationships. This impairment can be demonstrated by being fired from a position, failing the course or not paying your bills on time. People who have mild ADHD symptoms may still experience trouble in some areas, but they do not have major issues.
There are many factors that can cause similar symptoms as those associated with ADHD, including physical conditions and stress. A health care provider or mental health professional will evaluate the person's mood, their medical background and other factors to rule out the possibility of these conditions.
Behavioral therapy is one of the most popular treatments for ADHD. It assists people in learning how to better manage their symptoms and develop more effective coping skills. It could include cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches how to transform negative thoughts into positive thoughts. It can also help reduce the effects of chronic conditions and mental health issues, such as addiction or depression.
Adults with ADHD can also benefit from couples or marital therapy. It can help them better understand their partner and improve their communication. It can help their partner learn how to help and cope with someone with ADHD.
Medication
Medications can help with the inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are typical of ADHD. These medications are often prescribed in combination with therapy and skills-training which can reduce symptoms and help people perform better at work, school at home, or even in their hobbies. Medication is not a panacea and patients must work with their doctor to learn how best to manage their ADHD symptoms. It could take a few times to determine the best combination of medications and dosages, but it is important to keep in mind that there are a myriad of choices.
A trained specialist will talk to the child, parent or adult about their experiences with ADHD, paying special focus on the behavior that occurs in various situations, including at home and in school. They will also ask about the family history of the person and their academic and occupational background. They typically request performance evaluations from their workplace or old report cards, and will want to talk with the person's teachers.
Remember that for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must have begun in the earliest years of their life (technically before the age of 12). So, although an expert will only speak about the current symptoms during an assessment for diagnosis it is likely that they will need to speak with others who knew the child, and could even speak with the person's parents or teachers.
ADHD medications typically contain stimulants that appear to regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals called Neurotransmitters. They are available in a variety of forms, including liquids, tablets and patches. Stimulants may cause side effects such as difficulty sleeping, agitation and loss of appetite. However, they are generally safe if following the prescriptions of a doctor. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine and other antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD. They tend to be slower-working and have less adverse negative effects, but they aren't recommended for all people.
A combination of medications therapy, therapy, as well as behavior changes is the most effective way of treating ADHD symptoms. Adults and children may try several medications and change them according to their needs or as their circumstances change.